GCL Doha, Round 1 - What you've missed!

The GCL for 2023 is underway! 16 teams, 32 horse and rider combinations, one thrilling Round 1 for the first GCL of the year. 

The soaring architectural masterpiece of Al Shaqab’s Longines Arena plays host to today’s clash of the titans. 13 teams from the 2022 season, 2 teams returning after a hiatus and 1 brand new team. 

Uliano Vezzani challenged the starters of Round 1 with a bold, open course. Flanked by bustling hospitality venues, spectators got behind the riders as they put on an impressive show in the impressive arena. 

Heading into Round 2 with a clean scorecard, are:

1. Stockholm Hearts, powered by H&M We Love Horses

2. Istanbul Warriors, powered by Carpe Diem

3. Riesenbeck International, powered by Kingsland

4. Valkenswaard United 

5. Rome Gladiators, powered by ClipMyHorse.TV

With the new GCL format debuting this weekend in Doha, all teams will now return to the arena for Round 2, in best qualified order. Who will take top podium position for the first GCL of the year? Only time will tell. 

GCL of Doha R2 - CLEAR TEAM’S QUICK FACTS:

Riesenbeck International, powered by Kingsland

• 2022’s GCL overall winners
• No changes were made to the team’s lineup this season  
• Won the most GCL Rounds in 2022
   

Stockholm Hearts, powered by H&M We Love Horses

• Finished the 2022 season in second place
• Secured the most podium placings in 2022 out of all teams 
• No changes were made to the team’s lineup for 2023
   

Istanbul Warriors, powered by Carpe Diem

• A refreshed team for 2023, with 3 new riders
• Posted the quickest double clear rounds in Round 1

Valkenswaard United

• Have won the GCL twice since it’s inception - once in 2021, and once in 2016
• Just one new rider joins the Valkenswaard United lineup for 2023 - Oliver Lazarus 

Rome Gladiators powered by ClipMyHorse.TV

• The only team to see talking strategy between riders in Round 1x
• Rome Gladiators secured podium positions on three GCL Rounds in 2022
• Two brothers are members of the Rome Gladiators team - Shane and Trevor Breen